Jeanette Williams Award

By Jean Godden | Published: May 12, 2014

We need your nominations for the Jeanette Williams Award!

I have some exciting news! I’m partnering with the City of Seattle’s Women’s Commission to present this year’s Jeanette Williams Award to individuals or organizations in our community which are making waves by speaking out or taking action to end the gender wage gap.

As you know, the wage gap between men and women is a scourge that has persisted for far too long. I often share the story of being a young columnist at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer who was the sole bread winner and made less than my male colleagues doing the same work. My family could have used that extra money. Today, I’m angry that Seattle has one of the steepest wage gaps in the country and that this problem disproportionately impacts women of color.

Currently, I chair the first Council Committee in Seattle’s history to oversee efforts to narrow the wage gap and I’m determined to do all I can to put an end this inequity. The City is taking steps to overhaul our systems and practices to stop this discrimination.

This award is a wonderful opportunity to honor former City Councilmember Jeanette Williams, who was a tireless advocate for women. It also allows us to honor those who are doing all they can to close the gender pay gap.

We need you to nominate deserving individuals or organizations! Nominations are due by July 7, 2014. Please email Marta Odowu from the office of Civil Rights at marta.idowu@seattle.gov